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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Who doesn't love a new piece of jewelry?!
For everyone who mentally responded "me!" to that question,
then this post is for you!

The only thing better than 'new' than 'free',
and that is pretty much what this DIY Marble Necklace amounts to...just pennies!

I'm sure y'all have seen these marble necklaces all over Pinterest.
But at the risk of being redundant,
I'm going to share my own post on the subject.

All you need is...

fabric, cut into 2 1/2 x 45 or 60 inches long

marbles {you can buy a bag at the dollar store}

Equipment

ruler

scissors

sewing machine

1. Cut
For a choker or high collar necklace {about 25 in. long}, I cut my strip 45 inches long.
For the longer necklace I sewed several strips together to make a tube 60 inches long.
This may seem really long, but once you start tying knots, it shortens up quite a bit.

2. Sew
First, if you are sewing strips together length wise,
sew these first, right sides together.

Next fold your piece in half length wise (right sides together) and sew up the edge
using a 1/4 inch seam.

3. Turn
Turn your tube right side out.

4. Stuff and Knot
Put in your marbles and tie knots after each one.
Experiment with the spacing between marbles and knots.Be sure to leave enough fabric on either end to tie your necklace around your neck.

This necklace was done just by tying knots right after each marble, close together.

This necklace was done by leaving a gap in between the marble and the knots on either side.
The next marble was tied tightly, followed by another marble with loose knots on either side.

I really like how this changed up the look.
I even made a bracelet to match!
{Recognize those clothes? It is this refashioned outfit!}

On my third necklace, I tied it the same as above, but made it longer,
and only added marbles and knots to the bottom half.
I LOVE that silky, multicolored fabric, it makes a great necklace!

After making my own, I helped my little sister make one too,

which she proceeded to wear both night and day (no kidding, she slept in it!) for probably a month.

She loved it so much, she made one as a Christmas gift for her best friend!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Before I knew how to sew,
I spent most of my crafty energies crocheting,
and often I had orders from family to crochet baby blankets.

This is one of the patterns I liked to turn to,
granted, this pattern will use more yarn than a blanket of the same size in a different pattern,
but you can't beat the dense, thick, lush feel of this blanket.

I don't have this pattern written down row for row,but it is a repeating pattern so it is really easy to figure out.

Worked in one piece,the squares are created by working front post double crochet (FpDc) and back post double crochet (BpDc).
A post stitch is done by crocheting around the post
(with the post either in front or in back of your hook)
instead of working in the top stitches as you normally would.

Here is a great video that explains this technique.

So all you are doing is a double crochet (dc) either in front or in back of the post.

Row 1: Dc across, ch3, turnRow 2: (It doesn't matter if you start with the FpDc or the BpDc one this first row- just pick one)
*FpDc in next 15 dc, BpDc in next 15dc* repeat to end of row. Ch3, turn

(I suggest keeping a row marker at the beginning row of each square,this makes it easier to know when to switch.)

Row 3: *BpDc in first 15 st (should be on top of BpDc from previous row), FpDc in next 15 st (also should be on top of FpDc from previous row)* repeat to end of row. Ch 3, turn

*When you turn the work your pattern is flipping, you are not actuallyalternating rows, though it looks like it on paper.

Repeat rows 2-3 until your square is 12 rows high.
Now change so you are back posting on top of the front post row of 15dc, and front posting on the back post 15dc row. This creates the changing of the squares.
Mark the beginning of this row, the change in the pattern for your next square.

Repeat like rows 2-3 to complete your next row of squares.
Continue working in this manner.
You will see the pattern clearly, and you will know when to change!
End off.

ch2 (counts as hdc) and 1 hdc in corner, *ch 1, skip two st, 2 hdc in space between dc,*
repeat until you reach the other corner.

In corner, 2hdc, ch1, 2hdc, ch 1, hdc around each dc stitch down the side- do not chain in between.

When you reach the bottom corner, do as other corner (2hdc, ch1, 2hdc)
return to ch 1, sk two, 2 hdc along the bottom edge.

Do next corner same as last, repeat 1 hdc around each dc up the next side

When you reach the corner you started in,

do 2 hdc, ch1 then connect to top stitch of starting ch 2.

Finish off, weave in ends securely.

﻿

This is an indulgent pattern...because the way the stitches are worked, your rows aren't quite as tall, thus your yarn doesn't go quite as far as other patterns might, but I absolutely love the outcome!

It is so beautiful both in texture, weight and appearance.

How about you,
do you sacrifice practicality for the sake of appearance and overall outcome
in your crafting projects?

Do these 'cooking without measuring' type of crochet directions make sense,
or are you a strict row by row type of crocheter?

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Today,
I'm going to share with you the wonder of decoupage.
This is a super easy method for prettfying things, and it has soooo many applications {ha!}.

My victim candidate was a set of miniature, floral patterned trunks.

I think they are made out of thin, pressed cardboard??
Not really sure, but this process works on wood and metal as well.

After having them in my possession since I was a tween, I decided they needed an upgrade.

Granted, I did this project about four years ago, so I don't really have process pictures.
That makes this the first post in my month long Throwback series!

Although this is mid process, you can see what the trunks looked like before.

Not pretty.

Don't worry,

dollar store wrapping paper to the rescue!!

What You Need:

glue {regular Elmer's school glue}

water

wrapping paper

small brush

scissors

Step One: Clean

Start with a clean surface by wiping down the item you plan to recover with a damp rag

Step Two: Mix

In a cup or dish, mix together enough glue and water to make a spreadable mix...think paint consistency.

Step Three: Cut and Paste

Work in small sections at a time.

First 'paint' a section with your glue mixture,

tear up pieces of wrapping paper and stick to your pasted area.
Paste over with glue again, tear more pieces of paper and stick them on, overlapping each other.
The key here being sure to have a layer of glue underneath the overlapping paper
and on the surface you are sticking them to.

Keep repeating that process until you get all the way around,

being sure to seal your paper down with a good coat of glue paste.

For the Bottom

You can either do the bottom in pieces of paper like you did the rest of the trunk,

or you could cut one, solid piece and lay it over the bottom.

The option is up to you and what you want!
{In my opinion, the solid piece looks better, but is trickier to do.}

Hinges & Handles

If you can take your hardware off, great!
But if not, just trace and cut your paper piece to fit snugly around them as best you can.

And that is it!

Simple, simple!

Now they look bright and cheery...so much better than before!

What do you think?
Does this give you any ideas for decoupage projects of your own?

Friday, September 5, 2014

when you first arrived at this blog page, thinking perhaps you had taken a wrong turn in ciber space?

Let me assure you, things may look a little different around here, but you did indeed

reach the same Gladness of Heart blog that you have {hopefully} come to know and love!

I decided it was time to update the look of the place,

make it more my own and move away from the pre-fabricated blog header and background.

What do you think?!

{Seriously, please tell me!}

I still have a few little things to tweak here and there,

but for the most part, I love the new look!

Moving on to the next order of business:

In a stroke of irony, following on the heals of a new blog design,

I am dubbing September Throwback Month here on Gladness of Heart!

I will take you on a blast from the past with projects that I did before my blogging days,

and some that just got lost in the craziness of life and were never shared with you!
You know the type, I call them MIA projects- they happened, but then in the line
of blogging duty, they fell behind the schedule and just didn't happen.

If you are looking for a theme to blog to this month, I welcome you to join me!

This is a great excuse to show off some of your projects that you might

otherwise be a bit embarrassed to post because it was so long ago since you did them.

So what do you say, do you think you'll join me for a Throwback Month?
I hope to see you around!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

I'm just gonna come right out and say that I have a little fire burning under my bum today,

and I decided to set out and try to do something about it.

Here is the story.

Those of you who have been with me very long know that I have a heart

for India. Well, I try to put my money where my mouth is a support works

in that country, and one way that I do that is by giving to India Partners,

a Christ centered organization that aims at "partnering with the people of India in ministry by cultivating
relationships, sharing resources, and encouraging self-sufficiency
through the compassion and wisdom of Jesus Christ."

Today I read an email from India Partners and

learned that they have entered a photo contest hosted by Global Giving.

which will give $1,000 to the non-profit organization who's picture wins first place.

Such a great idea, and I was happy to cast my vote and support them.

And then I saw it.

The organizations that are currently in top place

are not ones that are aimed at saving orphans,

providing a better education for children overseas, or funding urgent medical needs.

No.

The most championed causes in the lead right now are those that

aim to save abandoned birds, and street dogs.

This made me sad.

And then, very angry.

I love animals, y'all, and it does make me sad when they are mistreated.

But they are just that.

Animals.

I believe people are infinitely more valuable and important!

We are created in the image of God and have eternal destinies.

There should be no contest!

For me, this contest isn't so much about the actual photos,

but about the organization that the photo will support.

This is the photo entered by India Partners.

By voting for India Partners, you help an orphan in India, like this girl, receive an education.

Believe it or not, I took pictures of flowers on our shower curtain and referred to them for inspiration!

Pretty darling, huh?

Now...I need to make a confession.

These were done a long time ago.

How long you ask...errmmm...last November?!

Why the long wait to share?

Well, it is kind of a half success/half fail project,

and I don't like sharing things with you unless I have it figured out!

So actually, I'm coming to you for help!

Here is the situation.

Originally I was going to paint these using the infamous colored sharpie method from Pinterest.

However, after doing some research, I found lots of failed sharpie projects.
The poor dears put so much time and effort into beautifully, detailed designs
only to discover it scratched right off, even after baking.

I like to make my own mistakes, but I have no problem learning from those of others,

so I decided to go another route.

At Wal-Mart I purchased two Painters Brand Opaque Paint Markers,

one medium-point blue and the other metallic silver in fine point.
Truthfully, I couldn't tell a difference in the applicator size and wish they had been smaller.

I found the points too big to do small, fine detail work.

Though I took another route, I'm sorry to say that I ended up in the same predicament as
the failed Sharpie gals. Even after baking my mugs twice, the design scratches off with my fingernail!

My poor, drooping heart!

Upon some investigation I discovered that these were acrylic paint pens.
The pens themselves were not labeled anywhere saying acrylic, I only found that out by visiting the product website and reading up on them.

Acrylic = non permanent, not food safe as is.

This is where I need your help.
I want to preserve my designs if I can, but I still want to keep them food-safe.

In this wide, wonderful wold of crafters, I'm hoping one of you can give me some hard earned knowledge from hands-on-experience as to how I can fix and improve upon this situation!

Is there something food safe I can coat these with?

What sort of paints should I use in the future that are food safe but permanent?

I would love to do more painted ceramic projects,

it was quite addicting and the results are so rewarding!

There are dozens of ideas floating around in my head (and some on my Pinterest boards).
Colored paint, colored mugs, stencils, sayings, verses...so many designs, so many possibilities!

To be so appreciated, applauded, and respected, he left this world alone and hurting.

I wish so earnestly that someone could have given him Hope.

The Hope that could have saved his life here and eternally.

Hope and Peace...the Ultimate Hope and Peace that comes by no other name then that of Jesus.

That name alone could have silenced Williams' demons.

I grew up with his voice, his kind and funny face.

And though I never met him, never reached out to him...as a person that existed not to him,

I feel a sad, gray emptiness that he has gone.

I didn't always support every role and work that he committed himself to, but I recognized in him a genuine, compassionate person...a soul of deep waters.

He refreshed a thirsty world, yet couldn't calm the stormy waves that raged inside. And I sorrow for him.

To anyone who considers ending their life, STOP.

Stop and see the ripples from Williams' death.

The man had his demons, he had his legitimate issues...but see the flood of well wishes, supporters, admirers and tear streaked faces he leaves in his wake.

Those same people could have been his support system. You are never alone. Your absence will not go unnoticed. There is always someone who mourns.

My children will grow up in a world without the talented, funny and kind hearted man found in Robin Williams that through the wonder of film, made himself at home in my childhood.Now, when his name is mentioned they will say "Robin who?" and will grow up thinking of him as the dead guy who does the voice of Genie. There will be no personal connection...a curtain has been drawn over time that they can never be seen through clearly.

That is the same sort of hole you will leave if you take your life too, friend. You are not killing your demons, you are leaving them to haunt your loved ones. You are not bringing to an end the loneliness you feel, you are only further and forever separating yourself further from those living and those you could have met in the future.

And if you have not made the choice to accept Jesus...you are not ending a life of torment and coming into peace, you are leaving the only world where an invitation of Peace has been offered to you and entering into an eternal world of torment.

And there is always someone who mourns.

When you leave this world without Christ as your Savior....God mourns. He mourns that you will be forever separated from Him in your eternal life because you didn't make the choice to be with Him in this present life. It is your choice. You can choose life...or you can choose death.

"This day...I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life..."~Deuteronomy 30:19~

These words were a challenge and an invitation issued by God Himself.Daily, He invites us to choose life...and the Bible says in John 14:6 that Jesus said of himself, " I am THE Life".I pray you choose Him.

I pray you choose Peace. I pray you choose Hope.I pray you take the Hand that can lift you from the stormy waves.

BUT...I will graciously accept these awards and try to get up on my blogging horse.
Actually, just as a little heads up, I am in the throes of redesigning my blog,
so get ready for an overhaul and face lift sometime in the future!

I also have some completed refashions (finally!) that I just need to
take 'after' pictures of, then I can share them with you!

2. How would you describe your sense of fashion?Color. Always color.
Some days I'm elegant and retro, other days bright and boho.
I wear what is pretty and what makes me feel happy-- I don't limit
that to a certain style or era, because I love so many different ones.
But flowey things always make it into my closet.
Free, fun and colorful.

3. Favorite musical artist ever (Aren't these questions easy?)Ever? Ever?! Oh, why so hard?!
I'll make it somewhat simplified...my favorite instrument is the piano,
so I'm a sucker for a piece that tickles the ivory keys.
Like my fashion sense, I love (almost) all genres and types of music,
it depends on the mood I'm in and what I am doing at the time.

4. Favorite Snack?Salsa with fresh cilantro!!!!!!
And sharp cheddar cheese.
But not together.

5. What is your favorite non-fiction book?Works of C.S. Lewis

6. Favorite fiction book? Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers

7. What is your favorite historical era fashion-wise and why?Probably the 50's or 70's.
I love the fit and flair dresses of the 50's, the colors and prints are all so cute!
The 70's has some really cute dresses and styles that were long and loose and flowing,
and I love those so much!

8. Tea or coffee?Chia Tea Latte. :)

9. What are your thoughts on the mismatched sock epidemic?My theory is this. The washer and dryer are sort of like a mechanical cow....
they share the same stomach...one drinks the water, and the other...eats the socks.
I know, I know. It makes no sense.
But neither does one sock always disappearing!!

10. What Bible verses have jumped out at you recently?Deuteronomy 30:19a "This day...I have set before you life and death..."
Each day, we have a choice...over and over in numerous areas,
to choose life or death. Do I choose to say this and bring death
to this person's dreams, or death to this relationship?
Do I choose to do such and such that will be healthier and bring life into my body?
I think we have so many opportunities in our day to day life
that we can choose a path of life, growth, goodness,
or death, stuntedness, laziness etc.
The choice is before us each day, and we need to be conscious that it is ours to make.

11. Where in the world would you travel to if you could?
India!

My second nomination came from my fellow Refashion Runway contestant from
last year, Magda over at House of Estrela.
Here were her quarries to me.

1. What's your main inspiration when it comes to sewing?
I get a lot of inspiration from sites like BurdaStyle and Modcloth...
I love the style of clothes that Modcloth offers, and I get inspired to sew my own versions,
as I usually don't have the money to spend on their items.
I stay up to date on the newest pattern releases from BurdaStyle,
and they are a great source of inspiration!
And fashion in general...I'm not a very trendy person, but I pick things here and there
that I like that are popular and try to incorporate them into my sewing.

2. What do you like to sew the most?I do more refashion sewing than pattern sewing right now,
and that varies based on what I find. I probably refashion more tops
because I need more to go with all of the skirts I have in my closet!

3. How did you learn to sew?I taught myself with the help of my mom.
She tried teaching me many times, but it took a determined decision on my part
that I was going to make myself learn this skill, for it to finally click.
I research and learn new techniques from sewing blogs otherwise.

4. Have you taught anyone else to sew in your life?Sort of, yes!
My little sister wanted to make a fun pillow for her bed,
so I taught her how to measure, cut, and iron her pieces and then sew them together!
She was pretty content with it, and hasn't really wanted to sew since...but the initial groundwork was laid!

5. What are you working on at the moment?
Actually, I just finished a blouse refashion, and I haven't quite decided what to work on next.
I think I will end up taking in a couple pairs of trousers to make them 'skinny' next.

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers,

as a way to recognize them and widen their audience.

Each nominee must link back the person who nominated them.

Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.

Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers.

Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.

Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.

Soo....

I'm gonna do something a little unorthodox and NOT select my nominees right now.

I'm pretty sure that all of the bloggers I follow currently have received this award

and have passed it on already, so it would just be redundant to nominate them again.

Therefore I have decided to put my nominees on hold until I discover them...

I have a few lists of blogger directories that I have been meaning to peruse,

so I'll save up my little blog award love and pass it on in the future!

In the meantime,

thank you to both of you lovely ladies for the nomination,

and to those of you who actually stuck around to the end of this post.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

In a burst of creative inspiration, last week I gathered some craft supplies
I had on hand and created this cute and easy Embroidery Hoop Earring Keeper!

When you have so many pretty earrings, why not display them in an equally functional
and decorative manner!

Including the drying time for paint, I was able to whip this up in probably an hour's time!
Do you want to know how I made it?
I'll show you!

You Need:

Embroidery hoop, medium size range

Jute string

Paint

Brush

Scissors

Paint your wooden embroidery hoop

the color of your choosing.

I painted the outer and inner hoops different colors for an extra pop of contrast.

If you are feeling adventurous, paint a little design on the outer portion of your hoop
where it will be visible.

A few swirly scrolls with some four petal flowers scattered over it looks great.

Then just to add more pop, I scattered some bright red dots and filled in some of the flower petals.

Begin to fasten your lengths of jute to the inner hoop.

I found the best way to secure the twine was by

wrapping it around itself and pulling it toward you.

By doing this it pulls the twine to the fore front of the hoop frame which will work best

when hanging your earrings.

This method doesn't actually secure the twine very tight,

the tightening is accomplished when you put the outer hoop on top and tighten it up.

I found when I made knots, they were too bulky and the outer hoop didn't slip over them,
so this is the method that worked best for me.
If this seems confusing or isn't working, just find a method that works for you.

Once you have the twine lengths tied on where you want them,
{I advise you hang some of your longest earrings from them to get the spacing right}

put the outer hoop on and pull each end of twine as tight as it will go.

I have found it so much easier getting ready
when I can quickly see the jewelry choices in front of me.
Not to mention I rediscovered some pieces
that had fallen out of circulation because they were buried under all the rest!

I hope you give this easy project a try!
It makes life a little easier...and a lot prettier.